Optimized lime solutions for stronger, more reliable gold recovery
Gold ores vary widely and each demands a tailored processing strategy to deliver high recovery rates. Lime and quicklime are essential to achieving that performance. At Lhoist, we help you maximize gold extraction with high performance lime-based solutions designed for tank leaching, heap leaching, copper–gold systems, sulfide refractory ores, lateritic ores, silver recovery, and more. Whatever your flow sheet, we help you improve recovery, control impurities, and run cleaner, more efficient operations.
When caustic soda creates operational challenges
Some operations use sodium hydroxide (NaOH) instead of lime. However, NaOH can introduce process instabilities that reduce recovery, slow production and increase operating costs. Lime helps you mitigate these risks:
Silica dissolution and gel formation
NaOH dissolves silica, causing gel formation that:
- clogs pipes
- reduces heap permeability
- fouls carbon
Lime prevents this by forming stable calcium silicates that stop gel formation - maintaining stable circuit flow.
Sodium and sulfate accumulation
NaOH increases soluble sodium and sulfate in solution, which can:
- interfere with gold adsorption
- reduce lime reactivity
- destabilize the circuit
Lime naturally removes sulfate as gypsum, helping you maintain chemical balance and protect gold recovery.
Calcium carbonate scaling
NaOH drives strong CO2 absorption into the circuit, rapidly increasing carbonate levels. This carbonate reacts with calcium-carbonate deposits.
Because NaOH is regenerated during the reaction, the scaling cycle continues. Lime minimizes CO2 transfer and stabilizes carbonate chemistry - helping you reduce scaling and protect leach performance.
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